The study of computer science education involves both learning about computer science and pedagogy. This program is designed to provide exposure to the breadth of topics required to satisfy K6-12 students' curiosity about how computers and technology, now so central to daily life, actually work, and how students can personally leverage the learned knowledge to create their own futures. Since knowing computer science alone is not enough to be an effective, inspiring, and inclusive teacher, this major also includes coursework and field experience in the theory and methods of pedagogical content knowledge. This major both employs and creates emerging research on best practices in computer science education.
*52 credits from the Secondary Education program including the student teaching internship. This major leads to an endorsement in Computer Science for grades P-12. For questions about the teacher certification process or when to apply, contact program coordinators Caroline Hardin (contact information below). For additional information, see the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
Why Consider a Computer Science Secondary BAE Major?
Teaching computer science to secondary students is a challenge as well as an opportunity. Learning to teach computer science occurs through a variety of means: the study of a wide variety of computer science, pedagogical preparation within a computing context, formal clinical preparation in education, an extended internship, and continual experiences as a student, learner, and problem solver.